FCC clears WHYY's takeover of Penn State's WPSU
What's the deal? The Federal Communications Commission has approved the transfer of public broadcaster WPSUDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → from Penn StateDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to Philadelphia-based WHYYDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Once the transaction closes, WHYY will own and operate WPSU's television and radio stations, which will keep their call signs.
Why now? The FCC's sign-off was the final regulatory hurdle. It follows months of collaboration between Penn State and WHYY to build a long-term plan for public media in northern and central Pennsylvania.
What's the endgame? WHYY, one of the largest US public media organisations, aims to keep the region served by an independent, noncommercial voice. "WPSU will remain WPSU: locally focused, responsive to the communities it serves, and dedicated to telling the stories of central and northern Pennsylvania," said WHYY president and chief executive officer Bill Marrazzo.
WPSU has served audiences for more than 70 years through journalism, educational programming, and local storytelling. Penn State and WHYY will keep working together through the transition to ensure continuity for audiences and community partners.
The signal: The deal reflects a broader trend of larger public media groups absorbing smaller, university-linked stations to shore up their finances and reach. "The FCC's approval brings welcome clarity about the future of public media in our region," said Larry Terry, vice president for Penn State Outreach.
Read more: psu.edu
Image credit: John Pemble
